Update: South Umpqua Complex Fire continues to spread

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — The Umpqua National Forest has issued an Emergency Fire closure for several trails and roads in the forest because of the South Umpqua Complex Fire.

In an effort to strengthen defenses along the upper flank of the Miles Fire, two hotshot crews spent the night burning out fuels between the established line and the approaching fire.

Progress was limited by higher night-time relative humidity which kept the fine fuels from carrying the fire.

Pumps and hose were installed along the bottom edge of the fire, and a newly arrived large Skycrane helicopter was able to make quick round-trips dropping water on hot spots along the edge of the fire.

Overall, however, the wind channeled by the deep canyons pushed the fire further to the southeast.

Hotter and drier conditions are returning to the fire area, along with potentially smokier conditions in the South Umpqua drainage. Transport winds will gradually shift to a light flow from the southwest on Sunday, so smoke from the many fires to the south and west will begin to impact the Tiller area.